Use the Mark Williams OR Moser flanges. They have the ones that have the 64-77 A body /67-81 F body small 4 bolt pattern that was very common on the GM cars. Their special flanges have a recess for the pressed on Ford 9" bearing which is WAY more durable and leak free than the c clip eliminators; which to me are just a bandaid.
If you drive your car a lot, this is the set up to have as it will save you the aggravation of saturated brake shoes.
As for the brakes, you use the standard backing plate, hardware, wheel cylinders and shoes from an F body or A body....very easy stuff to get. No redrilling of drums, no bias problems as opposed to using the large Ford drums which means all Ford hardware and redrilling the drums.
Another option would be some sort of disc brake kit....which the earlier style 4 bolt flange will give you many more options.
As for going to 33 spline axles; I wouldnt do it unless you plan on definitely running a spool. The only limited slip type differential available in a 33 spline for an 8.5 is an Eaton.
The problem with the 33 spline Eaton is that the same case used for 28 and 30 splines is used for the 33. As the amount of splines increases, the larger the i.d. of the case where the axle goes in.
That means the area where the bearing presses on gets thinner since the o.d. doesnt change. The cases crack there as they are only nodular iron. If going posi....stay 30 spline. If you absolutely have to have 33 spline, then get a good quality steel spool.
